New arrival holds key for Sunderland

Gus Poyet believes new signing Ignacio “Nacho” Scocco could be the missing piece in Sunderland‘s attack.

Nacho lacks match fitness having made the switch from Brazilian side Internacional, who are still in pre-season training, meaning Poyet will have to ease the 28-year-old into action as a result.

But although Poyet admits it could take some time for his £4million man to adapt to the Premier League, he is certain Nacho holds the key to unlocking England’s most dogged defences.

He told the Sunderland Echo: “Scocco is a different one because he’s got that quality to get between the lines.

“We need to take it slowly with him because he’s not played much. He’s coming from a pre-season in Brazil so he needs games.

“So, if I get the chance, I’m going to give him time. We need to give him, football, football, football, but we will manage him in a different way. Obviously, we want him involved as soon as possible, but his fitness is a factor though and his impact will be progressive.”

Although Sunderland have been in fine form in front of goal of late, scoring 10 in their last four league matches, goals have been a problem this year with the side averaging less than a goal a game.

And Poyet believes Nacho is the type of player Sunderland will need in order to continue their current purple patch of form.

“Last week against Stoke, when they only had 10 men, he would have been perfect,” he added.

“We could have put him in there up front and made the difference, but, unfortunately, he wasn’t there. He’s a clever, tricky player, good with the ball at his feet and he can be so dangerous on the attack.”